How Does Diabetes Affect the Body?

People with diabetes have problems with managing their blood sugar levels due to a hormone called insulin. This hormone helps the body use glucose (blood sugar). In diabetes, these sugar levels can become too high or low. This can cause immediate and long-term risks. Research dedicated to diabetes has established many options, including lifestyle changes and medications, that can make diabetes manageable. 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes comes in three forms, Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. They develop differently and have different risk factors.

Type 1 Diabetes

Sometimes referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes, this type occurs when the body cannot produce its own natural insulin anymore. This usually begins in childhood or young adulthood, and causes include possible autoimmune reactions. The only direct treatment for this type of diabetes is injecting insulin to replace what they cannot make. These individuals also benefit from long-term lifestyle management, since healthy living habits can make blood sugar more stable. 

Type 2 Diabetes

This condition once occurred primarily in adults, but it has been increasing rapidly in children due to the spread of risk factors like obesity and diets high in processed carbohydrates. In this form of diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but cells have become resistant to the effects of the hormone, so glucose accumulates in the bloodstream. This type may go undiagnosed for a long time. 

Gestational Diabetes

This form of diabetes develops during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes. A woman who develops this condition needs to work with their doctor to maintain a healthy weight, level of activity, and blood sugar control. This condition usually resolves itself after the baby is born.